Best Bet February/March: Where To Surf To Get The Most Out Of Your Trip

Winter escape Sri Lanka, everyone?

While Sri Lanka has been a popular destination for backpackers and surfers in recent years, it remains a country unvisited by the average traveler. One thing is for sure, this won't be the case for long, as Sri Lanka's popularity is definitely on the rise due to its incredible culture, cuisine, local hospitality, and coastline.

For the small nation's west coast, February and March bring some pretty hectic conditions. The well known Arugam Bay (aptly nicknamed 'The Surfer's Heaven') is battered with onshore winds and storms until about April when the season resumes. The only way around onshore winds and subpar surf? Point your compass south.

The tucked-away gem of the south - Hiriketiya Beach 

Hiriketiya Beach is a quality first choice. Once your toes hit the sand and your hand gives the sun a salute, this small piece of heaven will have you rubbing your eyes in disbelief. The beach is quite remote and is best found either by hire car, scooter, or taxi. 

There is plenty of room for longboarders and beginners, with lessons available for the rookies and beginners. Looking west while on the mushroom-shaped beach is a peeling left-hander that can often get juicy and steep if the swell hits the coast right. Look for a straight southerly swell for this wave to be at its best.

Locals are about but are usually very friendly. If you have a car (something I would recommend only to the confident road warriors), then explore the local areas for other breaks. Nearby Tangalle is another reasonably well-kept secret that produces a fun reef break. The town is a beautiful one, with plenty of fantastic fresh seafood options (as offered by most of Sri Lanka).

Step into surf territory at Weligama Bay

Heading east along the most southern part of Sri Lanka will put you at Weligama Bay. The township is much larger than Hiriketiya, with a solid backpacker vibe. This does amplify the crowds out in the water, but for a place that literally translates to 'sandy village,' you'll notice seemingly endless coastline to find your own bank. 

Either grab a scooter or take a cab to nearby Midigama Beach or Unawatuna. Both locations offer reef breaks that will give you a much longer ride than Weligama (and gives you some time away the hoards of beginner surfers).

Sri Lanka's premier address on the South West Coast - Hikkaduwa

Finally, ensure you give Hikkaduwa a visit. The place is extremely well known this time of year with families, backpackers, and surfers. This doesn't mean that it's overcrowded, though. If you're an early bird, you'll easily enjoy an hour or so after the first light of sharing rides with just a keen few.

Viva La Vida - Central America

Offshore, Offshore, Offshore - Nicaragua

In this neck of the woods, you're likely to find waves all year long. Narrowing it down to just a couple of options, though, I'd confidently tell you to first head to Nicaragua.

The ugly winds generally steer clear of Nica in February/March, giving you plenty of offshore options. One of its most consistent waves is Popoyo in the southeast. The A-frame hands out shreddable lefts and rights and can break anywhere from 2 to 20 feet with no effect from a changing tide. 

An outer reef produces some hefty slabs for the expert crew. Within a kilometre or two, you'll be able to find your own crowdless spot with plenty of breaks on offer. Just get out there and hunt them down.